Ford Ranger Max 2009

Ford has released one of the best looking pickup around. Here is a press release on its show debut in Bangkok.

Ford Ranger Max Show Truck Debuts at Motor Expo

BANGKOK, 28 November 2008

The high-impact Ranger MAX Show Truck made its world premiere in Bangkok as the 25th ThailandInternational Motor Expo started today. Joining the global show truck is a full range of all Ford nameplates including the newly-launched Ford Focus TDCi with 6-speed PowerShift dual clutch and the new Ford Escape, both with an accent of kinetic design, as well as the Ford Everest and Ranger.

“There is no better place than Bangkok to host the world debut of the bold Ranger MAX Show Truck. The Show truck was created by Ford Thailandteam, working with Ford’s Australia-based Asia Pacific and Africa design team,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president of Ford Thailand.

Ranger MAX pushes everyone’s expectations of Ranger to the max. Visually bold and muscular, Ranger MAX takes to the stage at the Ford stand with confidence, sophistication and craftsmanship. It is genuinely tough and it is a truck that gets the job done. Its design concept took inspiration from the functional design found in some modern power tools that are not only functional but also durable, which are the qualities that Ford trucks are recognized for.

Ranger MAX’s profile exudes power and dominance as well as balanced proportion. The flexed ‘power dome’ shape of its hood communicates the pulling power and high torque of the engine. Its distinctive, deep-dish, 18-inch alloy concept wheels and custom technical-look tyres finish its extreme looks. Adding even more dynamism to the profile is the exclusive Ranger MAX sportsbar, which attaches to the pickup bed and arches across the vehicle. This unique crossbar is shaped to create the visual impression that Ranger MAX is always on the move – or ready for action.

“The Ranger MAX is not just about creating show excitement. We have a great opportunity to test design themes that will make their way into production. Ranger MAX says exciting things about what’s coming for truck fans in Ranger’s future,” said Kiatfuengfoo.

Along side the Ranger MAX is the newly launched Ford Focus TDCi. With more contemporary and sporty look enhanced by “kinetic design” elements, the powerful diesel-engine compact passenger car comes with the first-in-segment six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Capable of running on B5 biodiesel fuel, the New Ford Focus TDCi continues to live up to the green heritage of the Ford Focus range.

Available in four-door sedan Ghia and five-door hatch Sport, the new Ford Focus TDCi is powered by Ford’s renowned Duratorq TDCi 2.0L with PowerShift automatic transmission that provides great responsiveness and continuous torque. The 2.0-litre DuraTorq turbodiesel engine produces 100kW and Maximum torque of 320Nm at low rev of only 1,800 rpm (can be boosted up to 340Nm for a short period if necessary). It also offers an impressive fuel economy (combined urban and extra urban) of just 5.8L/100km. Both Ghia and Sport models are able to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds. Being B5-capable, the New Focus TDCi is also environmentally friendly.

Both the 4-door Ghia and the 5-door hatch Sport model were opened for booking orders for the first time at the ThailandInternational Motor Expo 2008.

Another highlight at the Ford stand is the newly launched Ford Escape. Truly living up to its name “Escape”, the real SUV allows drivers and passengers to ‘escape’ from routine life and into more exciting adventures that they desire. All these is possible through the unmatched performance of the vehicle’s renowned uratec 2.3Lt engine, as well as its superior acceleration, smooth drivability with impressive fuel efficiency.

Its reliable Duratec 2.3L powertrain with a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine produces a robust 146 Hp of peak power at 6000rpm and 196Nm/4,000 rpm. This offers impressive acceleration, take-off and pulling power as well as smoother drivability and refinement, along with better fuel efficiency. The 4×4 Escape XLT achieves very respectable fuel efficiency of 10.10 km per 1 litres The 4×2 Escape XLS is even more fuel frugal to return 10.42 km per 1 litres (The fuel consumption tests for Ford Escape 2.3L has been conducted according to ECE R101).

In addition to the highlighted models, the multi-purpose Ford Everest family SUV and Ranger are also joining the event.